Mobile Devices: Apple

Stanford supports the use of several mobile devices, but Apple devices are among the group of recommended devices because of their built-in encryption and other security features. Devices running Windows Mobile 6 also have encryption; most Android phones do not support encryption and are therefore not approved for use with University email, which often contains restricted information.

For Business Use:
If you're interested in purchasing an iPhone or iPad for university business use, IT Services has information about pricing, service plans, insurance etc. for the iPhone, and for the iPad 3G + WiFi. Please contact your local IT support and your departmental purchasing person to determine the best method to procure an iPad, either with or without the 3G feature.

For Personal Use:
If you're interested in purchasing an iPhone for personal use, Stanford has negotiated discount rates with certain carriers (does not yet apply to the iPad). ITS provides links to voice and data plan discounts. You may purchase iPads from the Stanford Bookstore.

Securing Your Device: MDM

Apple devices are recommended to Stanford users because of their security features—but you must enable them, including a passcode, in order to start using that built-in security. Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a free download that will automatically securely configure your Apple device for the Stanford environment, from email syncing to passcode settings. To get started, visit the MDM Installer from within your device's browser: http://mdm.stanford.edu/client/register. (For more information and instructions on securing your Apple device, click here.)

Connecting to the Wireless Network: Self-Registration

Whether you live in campus housing or off-campus, in order to use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch with Stanford wireless, you will need to register it as you would your laptop or desktop computer. Click here for step-by-step instructions for self-registration of an Apple mobile device.

Syncing Email and Calendar

You can set up your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to work with Stanford's email system through an ActiveSync connection, which automatically syncs your email AND your contacts and calendar events. A further advantage of ActiveSync is the ability to remotely wipe your email in the event that your device is stolen.

Stanford Mobile and iStanford

Through Apple's iTunes Store, you can download an app called iStanford, which has a whole suite of features included, from athletics scores to course schedules to the Stanford directory to searchable maps, and more. To find out more about Stanford Mobile,visit mobile.stanford.edu.

Syncing and Backing up Your Apple Mobile Device

It is important to sync and backup your Apple Mobile Device with iTunes on one specific computer. This will allow you to sync multimedia files, applications, contacts, etc. between your computer and iTunes and also provide a backup of your mobile device in case of a hardware failure or data corruption. To sync and backup your device, simply plug it into your desired computer, open iTunes and click the "Sync" or "Backup" buttons.

Reminder: Secure Your Device with a Passcode

It is Stanford policy that you must secure your Apple Mobile Device with a passcode if you ever intend on accessing Stanford information (including email). Not implementing a passcode means that your device is not encrypted and therefore could give someone access to sensitive Stanford information if your phone was stolen. Please remember to click here to ensure your device is secure.

Mobile Devices and VPN

You can access Stanford resources from off-campus through a VPN connection on your mobile phone or other computing device. Follow the links for instructions (courtesy of Stanford Answers) on how to set up a VPN connection on your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Windows Mobile device.

International Travel

If you're planning on traveling abroad with your mobile device, you can rack up phone bills quickly, before you realize it. ITS has some tips and information about making calls and using data internationally.